Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic muscles and ligaments are weakened, making them unable to hold the pelvic organs in place. The organs can then drop down into the pelvic area.

Women with prolapse often have a sense of heaviness in the vagina or pelvis. They may complain of feeling that they are “sitting on a ball”, or notice a bulge or mass protruding from the vaginal area while showering. Sometimes this feeling of heaviness or bulging is experienced more towards the end of the day, after working or standing all day. Other symptoms include discomfort during intercourse, urinary incontinence and bowel problems.

Some women may attempt to push the prolapsed organ back in to help when urinating, but may notice that the pressure is reduced on its own when they lie down at night. There are several different types of pelvic organ prolapse, with different names depending on the organs involved.

What causes pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor are stretched or aren’t strong enough to hold the pelvic organs in their correct position. It isn’t a life-threatening condition, but can cause pain and discomfort and have a major impact on your day-to-day quality of life.

Things that can cause the muscles in the pelvis to become stretched or weakened include:

There are different treatment options available for pelvic organ prolapse. Your doctor will be able to help you find the best solution for you, according to the type and cause of the prolapse. They will also take into account your plans for the future, including whether you would like to become pregnant.

Treatment may start with non-surgical options such as Kegel exercises, a pessary (device worn in the vagina for support), estrogen supplementation, electrical stimulation or biofeedback.

Kegels are exercises that can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. In mild cases of uterine prolapse, they may the only treatment needed. However, for them to be effective, they need to be done daily.

Vaginal pessary is a rubber or plastic device used to support the pelvic floor and the prolapsed organ. A doctor or healthcare professional will insert and fit the pessary, which must be cleaned frequently and removed before sexual intercourse.

Estrogen replacement therapy may help to limit any further weakening of the muscles and connective tissues that support the uterus, bladder and rectum. Ask your doctor for more information about potential benefits, risks and complications.

You should discuss all treatment options available to you with your doctor.

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Can pelvic organ prolapse be successfully treated?

Yes. While pelvic organ prolapse can get worse over time and will not go away on its own, it can be treated.

What causes pelvic organ prolapse?

Pregnancy and childbirth are the most common causes of pelvic organ prolapse. However, menopause, previous vaginal surgery, chronic coughing or straining, heavy lifting, obesity, family history and loss of muscle tone as a result of aging can also contribute.

What are the treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse?

There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. The non-surgical options may include lifestyle changes, Kegels, vaginal pessaries or medications. Surgical treatments may help restore your body to its natural state by using your own tissue or inserting either a biological or synthetic graft. Your doctor can discuss these and other treatment options with you.

What is prolapse surgery?

Prolapse surgery is a surgical procedure that uses your own tissue or a graft material (biological or synthetic) to correct the prolapse by placing graft material over the bulge and suturing it into place.

How long does it take to recover from prolapse surgery?

Every patient’s recovery time is different. During your recovery, it is important to avoid heavy lifting and sexual intercourse. Your doctor will be able to provide you with more specific details about your individual recovery process.

What are the risks associated with prolapse surgery?

Every surgical procedure carries some risk, and serious complications from prolapse surgery can occur.

Other potential complications include bleeding, infection, injury to blood vessels or nerves, or even bladder, urethra or bowel injury during mesh placement – which may require additional surgery. Difficulty urinating or passing stools can also occur, either temporarily or permanently.

Ask your doctor for more information about potential risks and complications, as well as your specific surgery and situation.